1. What is the McGill Compost Calculator?

The McGill compost calculator helps determine how much compost you need for your gardening project based on the area you want to cover and the desired depth of compost application. This is particularly useful for Home Depot customers purchasing McGill compost products.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses a simple volume calculation:

Where:

• \( Area \) — The area to be covered in square feet
• \( Depth \) — The desired depth of compost in inches

Explanation: The calculator converts depth from inches to feet (dividing by 12) before multiplying by area to get volume in cubic feet.

3. Importance of Proper Compost Volume

Details: Calculating the correct amount of compost ensures you purchase enough material without excessive waste. Proper compost application improves soil structure, provides nutrients, and helps retain moisture.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your garden area accurately in square feet. For most applications, 1-3 inches of compost is sufficient. For new gardens, you may need 4-6 inches.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How much area does one bag of McGill compost cover?
A: A 1 cubic foot bag covers about 12 square feet at 1 inch depth, or 6 square feet at 2 inches depth.

Q2: What's the recommended depth for compost?
A: For existing lawns: 1/4 to 1/2 inch. For garden beds: 1-3 inches. For new beds: 4-6 inches.

Q3: Should I till the compost into the soil?
A: For best results, mix compost into the top 6-8 inches of soil for new beds. For existing beds, top dressing is often sufficient.

Q4: How often should I apply compost?
A: Most gardens benefit from annual applications. Heavy-feeding plants may need compost every 6 months.

Q5: Can I use too much compost?
A: Excessive compost can lead to nutrient imbalances. Stick to recommended depths for your specific plants.